That's essentially how smartphone IC cards work in Japan. You can load the virtual card using a credit/debit card, and spend it (offline, I think) at train stat

That's essentially how smartphone IC cards work in Japan. You can load the virtual card using a credit/debit card, and spend it (offline, I think) at train stations and many shops. You can also get a regular plastic IC card, and load it with cash or card. Works the same way, except you can only load it at a machine rather than just on the Wallet app on your phone.